“Music is a universal language.” Like religion, music seems like a gaping void in the heart of man that needs to be filled. However, music cannot be forced, it must be sought.
When I was about four years old, as is Asian law, I was forced to play piano. As I was tortured and stuffed with useless exercises and meaningless classical pieces, my passion for music was inhibited. One day, after a decade long war with my parents, I was permitted to quit piano. Finally freed, I began to live a “normal” life and the echoes of music began to fade away in my life. However, the soul can only last so long without music. One summer day I was relaxing in my friend, Terry’s, room. I was dozing off on his bed while he serenaded me with some guitar and singing. Somehow, the sound of each note pierced through me and caught my attention. That day, I learned four chords and have not ceased playing daily. This journey so far through music has been like experiencing true love.
Along the way, I have picked up bass, drums, and piano again. At first I believed that music was all about how good you are and showing the world, but now I realize its not a comparison of skill or even solely personal. It does not matter how good you are compared to others as long as you enjoy it, have a passion for it, and choose to love it. Music can also be used to communicate with others, and has the ability to connect with strangers in a way that the best speeches cannot.
In the summer of 2009, some friends and I traveled to the east coast and performed at benefit concerts in various states to raise money, and that is where I learned the universality and true power of music.
So the question is why do I do what I do? Because it is my life yet my escape. Because it is my happiness yet my shoulder to cry on. Because it is my first love yet my life-long friend.
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